L’Arche Kent is a Community of more than 140 people with and without learning disabilities. We were the founding L’Arche community in the UK, based in Canterbury and surrounding area since 1974 and our community comprises people with and without learning disabilities, employed, volunteers and friends across Canterbury.

Our aim is to provide a place of belonging, to help people with learning disabilities live independent yet connected lives. You will be a key part of the way we develop and shape a future – a future which will build on our existing qualities and on the unique faith-based values of L’Arche. It could also mean growing the numbers of people we support and employ.

Description of Vacancy

A not-to-be-missed opportunity has arisen for those looking for a career in the care sector to join a well-established care Community.

Responding to community need, you will be supporting people with learning difficulties in a range of settings including residential and activity-based.

The ethos of your role will be to promote and enable choice, independence and self-determination through practical, physical and emotional support.

We are currently looking for one apprentice in Canterbury and the other in Eythorne, near Dover. If you feel passionately about creating a sense of community as a place of mutuality and belonging, and are keen to start or progress your career in care, we’d love to hear from you.

We are offering this opportunity at a Level 2, but can offer a Level 3 for the right candidate.

Providing a high quality of support to the people with learning disabilities through the following:

Enabling people with learning disabilities to develop new skills whilst being aware of the balance between risk and choice and ensuring that choices are not unreasonably restricted nor risks unnecessarily taken; in line with agreed risk assessments and relevant guidelines.

Supporting people with learning disabilities to access their leisure, social, practical and spiritual resources; fostering the development of choice making and decisions.

Supporting people with learning disabilities to access education, employment and other activities.

Supporting people with learning disabilities to build and maintain family relationships, friendships and to have links with and be included in the local community

To respect and support people with learning disabilities to develop their spiritual life in accordance with their chosen tradition. Supporting people to care for their home and undertake all necessary household tasks such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, paying bills and maintenance.

Supporting people to manage their Personal Budget, their benefits, bank accounts and personal budgeting.

Supporting people with planning and organization including their diary, travel arrangements and responding to any other support needs which may arise.

Acting as Key Worker for at least one person with learning disabilities.

Attending team meetings and carrying out administrative tasks as required

Building relationships with all members of the community, assisting in celebrations and supporting the spiritual life of the community so that there is an atmosphere of welcome, belonging and inclusion.

Hours

Shift work: 37.5 working hours per week spread over 5 working days per week. Shifts will include evenings and weekends.

Skills Required

Good verbal and written communication skills

Good listening skills

Good team player

Personal Qualities

The successful applicant should be adaptable, friendly and flexible.

Due to the nature of the role, candidates should be aged 18 and above.

Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

As an organisation grounded by faith, we expect all employees to be respectful of the spiritual life of our community members

Qualifications Required

Minimum grade C for GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)

Training Provided

On the job training with the employer whilst working towards the Apprenticeship Framework – consisting of the Intermediate NVQ Level, Technical Certificate and Functional Skills if appropriate.

Regular work based assessments/observations carried out by Kent Training & Apprenticeships Tutor Assessor, to determine competency and meet with Awarding Body standards.

Important Information

The employer has asked that you do not contact them direct. Doing so could jeopardise your application. You will be responsible for your travel expenses to and from your place of work. Therefore, you must have the means to get to your place of work on a daily basis whilst waiting for your first wages to be paid.

KT&A: Kent Training & Apprenticeships are part of Kent County Council and are a leading training organisation with nearly 30 years successful experience. KT&A specialise in high quality work-based training, delivered by qualified staff with personal experience of working in the skill area they teach.